Also, this is the updated word from Harney County Sheriff David Glerup:

"The hot springs as you know it is gone. The Davis family, owners of the Alvord Ranch, have torn it down and built a new structure. They now charge a fee for its use. Just thought you should know and advise your readers."

"Though they are on private property, before 2013, the use of the hot springs was free and open to the public year round. In early 2013 the property owners (the Alvord Ranch) installed a full-time caretaker in a trailer and started construction of a parking-lot and a small building which will house a store. Access to the hot springs are no longer free, there is now a fee of $5 per person per day. Maintenance is volunteered by local residents and all visitors are encouraged to help keep the springs clean."

And another update from a reader who was at the hot springs Saturday:

Yes, there was a $5 charge that gets you access to the springs for 24 hours.

Also, the store/bathroom is definitely a work-in-progress. For example, as of Saturday the toilet in the bathroom appeared to be operational but the sink was waiting to be installed.

The hot springs pool(s) are unchanged _ they're as delightfully rustic as ever _ same concrete pools, wooden deck, corrugated metal walls, even the washing machine tubs as seats. The significant change is that there's now a large gravel parking lot and small store/bathroom facility about 50 yards south of the pools _ along with a new gravel path from the parking lot to the pools. And there are a couple of caretakers on the premises.